Orange Matterless Custard

[H2O Man]

It's time for DU Exercise Class! Line up, and count off by ones.

Suppose that this week, a federal grand jury returns an indictment against Steve Bannon. This is in the realm of possibilities. Next, suppose that Donald Trump issues a second Bannon pardon. This, too, is within the realm of possibilities. Yet no one would possibly mistake this as reality-based, as it would carry no legal authority. Rather, it would be cause for laughter and merriment.

Let's take it a step further. Suppose that next week, Trump issues what he insists is a Presidential Executive Order, that holds that insurrection is not only legal, but mandatory. Would anyone take this seriously? Yes, of course: the republicans in the House and Senate would pretend that it is legit. But it is highly unlikely that even Clarence Thomas would say that it is an unanswered constitutional question.

The same holds true should Trump try to classify or de-classify government records. No sane person would suggest that Trump has any of the privileges of the presidency. This will hold true when people such as Bannon attempt to claim they need not testify to the House committee, or if the current Department of Justice and White House can provide the committee with requested documents. The only option the Bannon-types have is to take the fifth. But, by law, they will have to take it in response to each and every question asked of them.

Now that this warm-up exercise has been completed, let's return to reality. Trump can't do the things he wants to do, but you can do something tomorrow -- if you haven't already. You can vote. And you can remind family and friends to vote.

Peace,
H2O Man

[Me.]

1. Would IT Be Legal To Vote Both Of Them Out Of THe Country?

Not really a joke as other options are clearly illegal but we need to get the stain out of our country.

[H2O Man]

4. I think so.

But only after a long incarceration.

[Me.]

11. There-in LIes THe Problem

If one must come before the other.

[H2O Man]

14. I agree.

There are times when I am frustrated by how slowly the federal system works. I am confident that you remember my frequent complaints during the Plame scandal. At the same time, I try to keep in mind that it was designed that way, and for some valid reasons. Now, I'm not a fan of our system of incarceration, and have opinions on bail, but I think Bannon should be in jail, without bail, until his trial. I think he is currently more dangerous to this country than is Trump. (I do think that if Trump does want to run in 2024, Bannon will get him the republican nomination.)

[Me.]

19. Ah Yes PLame

and it is that and Fitzmas which haunts my thinking on justice. I don't care what the big bad cons are planning/think...I don't think that, for whatever reason, he will be running anywhere in 2024.

Where's the Irish girl lately?

[Kid Berwyn]

2. Traitor Tots

Heavy on the 30-weight.

[H2O Man]

5. Yikes!

That is perfect in its ugliness.

[Kid Berwyn]

12. Glad there are no mirrors around.

You get a minute, you may enjoy a most beautiful read:

https://sites.evergreen.edu/politicalshakespeares/wp-content/uploads/sites/226/2015/12/Borges-Tlön-Uqbar-Orbius-Tertius.pdf

[H2O Man]

15. I have mirrors!

Sometimes I think I'm in Jimi's song, "Room Full of Mirrors"! But every time I look in one, some wrinkled old face is looking out at me! How did this happen so fast!

And thank you for the link. I'll read it tonight. Much appreciated.

[Hekate]

3. Excellent musical accompaniment!

Coo-coo-ca-choo.

[H2O Man]

6. Thank you!

It is a great song!

[panader0]

13. Only difference/problem---the dog is not dead yet.

Even when his orangeness is dripping dead, his dog worshippers will still bark.

[H2O Man]

16. I certainly agree!

Trump is, of course, mentally and morally dead. His soul has dehydrated while in hibernation. And the mentally dead masses will worship him after his physical death. It is as bad as the worst potential we were warned about. Yet we can -- and will -- change things for the better. It's another round of The Good Fight.

[panader0]

17. "another round of the Good Fight".

You hear the bell, walk back to your corner and sit down. You regroup, breathe, and ready yourself
for the next round. I am hesitant to use a boxing analogy with an actual boxer, but it's the way I feel
often when this whole thing seems so exhausting.
All the best, I am buoyant and after a brief respite, I catch my breath and I am ready again.

[H2O Man]

18. That's it!

In boxing, there's something known as being "over-trained" for a fight. The best trainers know that simply means the fighter did not get the proper rest during his training. We should all be sure to take time off when needed, so that we can be active at other times .... and extremely active, when circumstances require it.

[malaise]

7. Nailed it as usual my brother

Rec

[H2O Man]

8. Thanks!

His people are simply trying to stall. It won't work.

Throw 'em in jail!

[malaise]

9. Many of us genuinely believe that Justice is Coming

and it is as true as our view that the institutions would have held during the 2020 elections.
Sure they need serious reform and strengthening but they held. There will be serious consequences.

[H2O Man]

10. Right.

It is important that people have a good understanding of what justice will look like. It won't be the "no consequences" of the Trump presidency. But neither will it be the highest of crimes that some people are expressing hope for. Prosecutors -- especially federal prosecutors -- try cases that they are 95% or more sure of a conviction in. A couple of things I have read today appear to be placing their bar of hopes a bit higher than is realistic. I'm half-way tempted to write a essay that addresses this.